plural lightweights
1
: one of less than average weight
specifically
: a boxer in a weight division having a maximum limit of 135 pounds for professionals and 132 pounds for amateurs compare featherweight, welterweight
2
: one of little consequence or ability
a political lightweight
3
: a person who becomes inebriated after consuming relatively small amounts of alcohol or drugs
Even at 6 foot 5 inches tall, Dean was a lightweight, and he sounded to be two drinks in, Johnson said.—
Kate Sosin
Kate Sosin1
: lacking in earnestness, ability, or profundity : inconsequential
a lightweight painter
a lightweight TV series
2
: having less than average weight
lightweight fabrics
3
: of, relating to, or characteristic of a lightweight
the lightweight championship
Synonyms
Examples of lightweight in a Sentence
Noun
The members of his staff were considered lightweights.
among astronomers she's considered a lightweight
Adjective
it's going to be hot, so wear mostly lightweight clothing
Recent Examples on the Web
Brian Mazique, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025
Many users found the machine-washable blanket lightweight yet warm.
—Toni Sutton, People.com, 3 Jan. 2025
Kelsey Fredricks, People.com, 10 Jan. 2025
The midsole features lightweight foam, which keeps this shoe from dragging you down at any distance.
—Kristin Canning, SELF, 10 Jan. 2025
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Noun
After McGregor destroyed Jose Aldo in 13 seconds to win the title and then moved up to lightweight, Aldo beat Frankie Edgar for the interim championship seven months later.
—Brian Mazique, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025
Many users found the machine-washable blanket lightweight yet warm.
—Toni Sutton, People.com, 3 Jan. 2025
Adjective
With 5,800 perfect ratings, this lightweight, multi-surface vacuum can clean up various surfaces, including carpet, upholstery, tile, and hardwood floors.
—Kelsey Fredricks, People.com, 10 Jan. 2025
The midsole features lightweight foam, which keeps this shoe from dragging you down at any distance.
—Kristin Canning, SELF, 10 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for lightweight
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Cite this Entry
“Lightweight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lightweight. Accessed 23 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
lightweight
1 of 2 noun
light·weight
ˈlīt-ˌwāt 
1
: one of less than average weight
especially
: a boxer in a weight division having an upper limit of about 135 pounds
2
: a person of little importance
lightweight
2 of 2 adjective
: having less than the usual or expected weight
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